I’m kinda bummed tonight because a client moved her account to a competitor this morning.

I hate that.

She was a sweet old lady, and I thought we had a really good relationship. When I received the paperwork I called her immediately, and at first she wasn’t sure who I was. When I explained, she said, “Ooh, that static. Can you hear that? I can hardly hear you! What?”

Do I have STOOPID stenciled on my forehead today?

I said, “Mrs. Client, don’t act like this with me.” I asked her what I did wrong to make her move her account. She said oooh, nothing, the static, what? No, nothing wrong, it’s just time to move on.

Bullshit.

I pushed her too hard is what did it. And I’m trying to feel bad about it, but I can’t. She owns an investment that, although two years ago was a wonderful buy, has run its course and it’s time to get rid of it. (A little past time, actually.) She’s over doubled her money, and now she won’t let it go. It’s lost 24% of its value in the past month, but she won’t let it go. I explained that some investments are temporary vehicles, and that they rise and fall on certain cycles. When they fall, we buy them. When they rise, we sell them.

I hate seeing clients make stupid mistakes. They get greedy and insist on holding onto a sinking ship. I mean, holy hell, this woman held these assets for two years. It’s not like I had her buy them three months ago and sell them last month.

So, apparently in my insistence that she do the right thing for herself and her money, she got miffed and moved the account. Fine. Whatever.

(I’ve been bummed about it all day. Kristi told me to go find a better mood, because I was even depressing her.)

Kristi’s comment? Look on the bright side - at least I lost a client because I was trying to do the right thing. It would be harder to swallow if she were moving because I’d neglected her.

I guess.

Moping,
michelle